An artist with a passion for environmental advocacy and social change, Xavier Cortada is not content to display his artwork on the walls of a museum or gallery, though he has done both in cities around the world.
For Cortada, a three-time University of Miami alumnus and professor of practice, it's more important to provoke conversation and, ultimately, action, particularly when it comes to climate change, an issue he says is the most pressing in our world today.
"This is not some abstract thought," he explained to members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute gathered for an event at the University's Newman Alumni Center. "This is literally happening here in Miami. Florida Bay was warmer than my Jacuzzi this summer. Corals are bleaching. We can't keep our heads in the sand."
Recently, Local 10 News named Cortada a “2024 Most Treasured Citizen” for his work to engage South Florida citizens in creative action around climate change. Specifically, the station commended the evolution of Cortada’s community initiative, The Underwater, as it spreads across Miami-Dade County parks and into Broward County schools.
By deploying the interactive art installation throughout Miami-Dade and beyond, Cortada hopes to help people understand the reality of climate change and how it is impacting coastal communities throughout South Florida.
"I don't want you to be passive listeners," he said. "I want to create a cadre of engaged and empathic citizens. I want this to become personal to you, so you are inspired to action."
To ignite that action, each member of the audience received a yard sign decorated with an image of one of Cortada's "Antarctic ice" paintings, created using melted ice from Antarctica. The paintings are a product of the artist's trip to the southernmost continent in 2007, a trip he said galvanized his advocacy around sea level rise.
Using a QR code on the sign, participants were asked to check the elevation of their homes and draw the number on their sign, revealing the area's vulnerability to rising seas. So far, Cortada has placed elevation signs at 54 city halls around Florida and is working with Miami Dade-County to showcase the project at all 250 county parks.
"It's inspiring and also very sobering," said Mark Reid, who lives in Kendall and recently retired from the University's Office of Undergraduate Admission. "I am definitely surprised by some of these numbers."
Adam Roberti, executive director of the Cortada Foundation, a non-profit organization Cortada launched to spread awareness and support his engagement projects, said he hopes OLLI members will be moved to reach out to elected officials and demand action.
"South Florida is ground zero for the climate crisis," said Roberti, a two-time Miami alumnus. "We want you to contact your representatives. Tell them, ‘This is an issue that I care about" and ask them what their plan is."
Pamela Dickson, who lives in east Kendall, said she was "semi-surprised" by what she found when she looked up her condo's elevation, listed as 5 feet above sea level.
"It was lower than I expected," said Dickson, a retired radiologist with the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. "It's concerning. I'm happy to see how (Cortada) is bringing this message to families, homeowners, children and young people – to our front yards – here in Miami, which really is ground zero."
Dickson attended a climate reality leadership course led by Al Gore and has taught courses on climate change at OLLI. She said she was impressed by how Cortada combined his art with community education and action.
"Getting the community involved is how this will be solved," she said. "It's not going to happen with each of us just recycling. It's writing our legislators and getting the larger message across."
Albert Fine said he has heard speakers on climate change before but none with as much passion as Cortada.
"It was outstanding," Fine said. "We know this is happening and it is going to impact future generations. The work has to begin now."
OLLI Director Michelle Alvarez said hosting Cortada was a great addition to OLLI's 40th year celebrations.
"By combining art, science and community, Xavier Cortada's talk inspired OLLI members to actively participate in the dialogue on climate change in South Florida," she said. "This is exactly the type of engagement our members look to OLLI for."
